Understanding Bat Season: Insights from a Wildlife Control Expert
I’m Travis from Dick’s Nuisance Animal Control, your local wildlife control officer. Today is August 12th, and we’ve entered the second half of bat season. The months of June and July are considered a blackout period for bat control due to the presence of vulnerable young bats. However, now that August is here, juvenile bats are becoming more active, and our work is ramping up again.
This morning, I found myself on the roof of a farmhouse, dealing with a significant amount of bat guano. For those unfamiliar, bat guano is the droppings left behind by bats, and it’s a clear sign of their presence. We’re using specialized equipment today, including a “goat” (a tool often used for roof work), and I’ve set up an excluder box to help safely remove the bats without harming them.
As we race against time until the first frost, I want to remind everyone that if you’re dealing with bats, birds, or other mammals in your home or property, now is the time to address it. Bats, in particular, are most active this time of year, and it’s crucial to manage them properly.
The Reality of Bat Houses: Are They Worth It?
A question I frequently get asked is about bat houses—those small, wooden structures designed to attract bats and give them a place to roost. My honest opinion? Save your money. In my experience, I’ve never seen a bat house that actually worked. Bats need to find the house on their own, and unless you’ve captured a bat and placed it inside to leave its scent, it’s unlikely they’ll move in.
Even if bats do start using a bat house, there’s a significant health risk involved. A friend of a client in Litchfield had a working bat house and noticed a pile of guano underneath it. When he went to clean it up, he disturbed the guano, releasing spores into the air. Unfortunately, these spores caused him to contract histoplasmosis, a serious infection that can lead to blindness or lung disease similar to COPD. He nearly died because of it.
This isn’t the only case I’ve heard of—another incident involved a young man who was cleaning out barns full of bat droppings and also contracted histoplasmosis. These stories highlight the potential dangers of bat houses and why I generally advise against them. Instead, it’s better to exclude bats from your home and let them find another place to roost.
Handling Bat Droppings Safely
If you do find bat droppings in your attic, it’s essential to leave them undisturbed. As long as there’s a solid barrier like sheetrock between you and the droppings, you’re safe. The danger arises when you disrupt the droppings, releasing spores into the air.
If you’re dealing with bats or have concerns about wildlife on your property, don’t hesitate to reach out. At Dick’s Nuisance Animal Control, I’m here to help you safely and effectively manage these situations. Remember, when it comes to wildlife control, it’s always better to be safe than sorry.